The Rotary Club of West Liberty celebrated its centennial Saturday evening, Dec. 14, with a throw-back event that included duplicating the inaugural charter meal, live music, history and the installation of four new members.
President Jake Burroughs welcomed about 75 to the event at the West Liberty Community Center, where centennial event chairman Ken Brooks attempted to duplicate the charter roast pork loin dinner and sides.
Past President Clifford McFerren inducted four new members to the 17-member roster, including Pam Wever, Kyle Campbell, Brittany Campbell and Jacob Lane.
The West Liberty High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Ashley Smith, entertained, as did the University of Iowa Ludus quartet.
Current members also include Brad Akers, Ethan Anderson, Diane Brooks, Katie Brooks, Michael Burleson, Shaun Kruger, Krista Lanier, Cara McFerren, Allie Paarsmith, Sara Sedlacek, Mark Smith, Phyllis Sterba, Dr. Guillermo Trevino Jr. and Nathan Yoder, as well as leaders listed above.
Charter members of the organization in December 1924 included attorney Robert Brooke, veterinarian James C. Carey, minister Leonard Davis, clothier W.C. Eichenauer, lumber retailer Albert L. Dice, osteopath Jesse R. Gorsline, Index publisher George A.T. Hise, dentist Herman Knott and hardware and grocery retailer Lon Lewis.
Also among first members were telephone company manager Henry Melick, restaurant operation Thomas McCarthy, department store owner LV Morris, railway postal clerk Benjamin Rowlen, physician Lestor A. Royal, Superintendent of Schools C.P. Slater, jeweler Frank B. Smart, funeral furniture maker Sherman Snider, photographer W.S.Tannery, drug retailer W.L. Watterrs and banker Ray Whitachre.
With Burroughs giving a statement on the legacy of Rotary, Ken Brooks read a history piece from 1924 when the group was formed and what life was like in West Liberty in the “roaring ‘20’s.” As a key stop on the Rock Island Railroad, the community of 1,500 served as a “thriving hub of commerce and agriculture”
Brooks went on to say, “life was simpler, yet full of hard work,” with dairy farms dotting the landscape and livestock was seen being transported through the streets. He said evenings were spent reading by lamplight or listening to the radio. He said social life revolved around the churches, community events and organizations like the Rotary Club that “quickly became a cornerstone for service and fellowship in the town.”
He said it was a time when automobiles were becoming more prevalent, replacing horse drawn carriages. Electric power was spreading to the rural areas and the telephone was considered a luxury. News from the outside world came mainly through newspapers.
Brooks went on to say that 1924 West Liberty was a place deep rooted in community values – service, generosity and responsibility for one’s neighbors. “It was this environment that the Rotary Club of West Liberty was born.”
“Whether it was assisting a neighbor in need or supporting a community project, West Liberty residents lived out the Rotary motto – service above self – long before it became a hallmark of the organization,” Brooks said.
It was said the spirit of innovation, hard work and togetherness continues to inspire the organization. “May the story of 1924 remind us of the enduring values that make our community strong and guide us into the next century of service and fellowship,” it was said.
Anyone interested in becoming a Rotary Club member should contact Brooks or any member of the organization, which meets weekly at noon.